2024 Scholarship Winners
Meet all 5 of the 2024 Youth First Scholarship Winners. Each year, we award five $1,000 scholarships to local graduating high school seniors. The Youth First Scholarship helps students with the growing expenses that come along with a college education. The scholarships can be used to help cover the costs of tuition, housing, books, and meals.
This year's applicants wrote essays detailing who they are, what the scholarship means to them, and how it will support their academic pursuits and future goals. We're proud to support these outstanding students as they embark on their educational journeys.
Derek Cruz
Liberty High School
Derek is a dedicated student-athlete on the wrestling team, where he built confidence and formed lasting friendships. He will be the first in his family to earn a college degree, starting his education at Northampton Community College before transferring to Penn State University or Lafayette College to complete his studies.
Derek plans to major in Civil Engineering to achieve his goal of becoming a Land Surveyor.
Allison Harper
Freedom High School
Allison is actively involved in student government, the National Honor Society, band, jazz band, wind ensemble, orchestra, choir, and theater. She holds several leadership roles, including senior class president, student director for choir, and secretary for both theater and band. Outside of school, she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley.
She will pursue her passion for American Sign Language/English Interpreting at Bloomsburg University.
Sienna Powell
Freedom High School
Sienna is actively involved in Girl Scouts, the Lehigh Valley Youth Council, and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She is an athletic training intern at Freedom High School and participates in lacrosse and indoor track. Additionally, she competes in SkillsUSA for Sports Medicine at the district level and HOSA for Future Health Professionals at the state level.
Sienna will continue her education at Howard University, majoring in Human Performance.
Trey Tremba
Parkland High School
Trey is an All-State and All-Area football player and a district champion sprinter in track and field. He will attend West Point Military Academy to pursue his dream of serving his country. After graduating from West Point, he will serve as an Army officer on active duty for at least five years.
“Choosing to go to West Point Military Academy is no ordinary choice. There is great honor in serving in the military and being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for your country.”
Kate Yadush
Whitehall High School
Kate is actively involved in numerous school clubs and activities, such as the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, English National Honor Society, Student Focus, and Ski Club. Additionally, she plays on the Varsity Soccer and Softball teams and participates in Alpine Ski Racing.
Kate plans to major in Finance and minor in Accounting at Fordham University.
Thank You, 2024 Scholarship Applicants
People First is filled with gratitude for each and every individual who took the time and effort to apply for the 2024 Youth First Scholarship. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the applicants for sharing their stories, passions, and dreams with us. We wish you all the very best in your academic pursuits and beyond.
